bjp

NEW YORK : Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has backed the Vishva Hindu Parishad's call to restrict Muslims from attending Navratri garba and dandiya events across the state, alleging that cases of "love jihad" tend to increase during such festivals. Nitesh Rane made the remarks in an interview with PTI Videos on September 7, extending his support to the VHP's demand for identity checks at garba venues . Nitesh stated that attendees at such festivities should undergo identity verification and recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry. "Those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events," Rane said in the interview. "Those coming for garba should show their identity and chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry". The VHP had earlier announced that Muslims would not be allowed entry to garba and dandiya venues across Maharashtra during Navratri, which begins on October 11. The organisation issued guidelines for organisers to verify participants' identities by checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak on their foreheads. VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the decision was taken because Navratri is about worshipping the Goddess and is not merely a cultural programme . Rane also called for uniform restrictions on loudspeakers and DJ systems during religious processions. "If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well," He said He claimed that loud music continued late into the night during recent Eid processions while Hindu festivals followed court-mandated noise restrictions . The minister also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "Chhatron Ki Goonj" student outreach campaign. "Chhatron Ki Goonj is being held to defame Hindus and Sanatan Dharma," Rane said, adding that voters would respond to the Congress in the elections . Nitesh Rane's remarks have drawn opposition from within his own party. Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, opposed the VHP's call, saying festivals should remain inclusive. "If a Muslim person also comes there and enjoys the festival properly, I do not see anything wrong in it," she said. The Maharashtra State Minority Commission also objected to the exclusion, with Chairman Pyare Khan arguing that festivals should bring communities together rather than create divisions .